One day, Hatim and his escorts were resting on top of a mountain, when they heard a cry of anguish. Hatim approached the concerned person and asked for his story. The person said, “I am the prince of the island of Tuman. I have fallen in love with the daughter of the king of Barzakh. I went to his court to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. The king produced a pearl egg and asked for its history, for he would allow his daughter to marry the person who would recount its history. Now I long to relieve me of my sorrow, since the idol of my heart can never be mine.” When Hatim heard the story, he said, “Do not worry, my friend. I know the answer and we will both benefit as the daughter shall be yours and the pearl mine.” So, they journeyed together towards their common goal.
The Prince in Love
